LLANDYSUL striker Mathew Newbold Jones hit the winner against his former club as the Swallows secured the Costcutter Ceredigion League Cup with a closely-fought win over Crannog at Aberaeron’s Cae Sgwar on Easter Monday.

The experienced raider fired home on the half hour, and despite several second half chances for the Llangrannog men, the defences remained on top.

There was very little in this game in the opening half, with both teams enjoying the odd opportunity in front of goal until Newbold Jones came back to haunt his old team mates with the crucial goal.

It was all Crannog for long periods of the second half as they pushed hard for an equaliser, and front runner George Colven was presented with two chances, but he was unable to fully capitalise.

Mark Davies also went close for Crannog, but they could not find a way past a resolute defensive line, which was well led by Llandysul skipper Dean Jones.

At the other end, Ashley Summers almost made it 2-0 with a fine effort, but there were to be no more goals as the Swallows held on for a narrow win.

Llandysul will be aiming to complete a cup double when the two sides will meet again in the final of the Dai ‘Dynamo’ Davies Memorial Cup at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue on Monday, 6 May.

The Swallows had edged past Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League outfit Tregaron Turfs 3-1 in the semi-final of that competition at Lampeter in midweek.

After a goalless first half, Lewis Jones saw a penalty saved, and captain Dean Jones hit the bar, but on the hour Lewis Jones slotted home with a neat strike.

Jones had a second penalty well saved, but Harri Wilson found veteran Mathew Newbold Jones free in the box to score and Ifan Sion then made it 3-0, before Deian Williams replied with a late reply.